The BBC will air it live - of course - and that entire version of the opening ceremony will probably find its way to Bit-Torrent sites etc within an hour after the ceremony is over. Since I am working anyways when the ceremony is happening, I will probably get it that way and enjoy it uncut. I don't mind commercials really, but I know that NBC will be cutting some stuff, and seeing ALL the countries march in is actually one of my favorite parts. NBC is starting out with a big disappointment. Understandable of course, as they wouldn't want the live version to be DVR'd and no-one watching the tape-delayed version with precious commercials in it. Well, I think I want to see what the BBC commentators have to say since it is their games, so.... no NBC on the opening for me. Hopefully we won't be disappointed with more tape delay.

2:06 pm July 23, 2012

Chris wrote:

Perhaps someone at NBC/Comcast connected by chance could answer this.. I just dont get the harm in putting the Opening and Closing Ceremonies on the internet rather than showing it tape delayed.. its not a sport but its a world wide event merged with sports. it deserves to be shown LIVE as the rest of the world is watching. Take a cue from ESPN - the world was watching the World Cup at 2am a few years back! It IS an OLYMPIC EVENT .. whether it qualifies as a sport or not.

3:20 pm July 23, 2012

Kevin wrote:

"NBC will be waiting until prime time on both Eastern and Pacific time on Friday to show the opening ceremony."

Can I ask why? CTV in Canada will be airing it live whether the time zone is Eastern or Pacific. If they can do it, then why can't NBC? Oh wait, I forgot, they care more about making money than their viewers. In this age of internet, DVR, etc, there's no excuse not to broadcasting the opening or closing ceremony live. After NBC's disgraceful broadcast of the 2010 winter Olympics, I simply cannot trust that they'll do a better job this time around. Thankfully I'll be able to watch it on BBC where it'll be live and with no ads!

3:29 pm July 23, 2012

Eric wrote:

Someday soon Apple will fix all of this nonsense and make the networks irrelevant.

3:39 pm July 23, 2012

Casual Fan wrote:

This Olympics coverage will bring you all the haplessness of NBC with the lousy customer service attitude of its new owner, Comcast. A perfect combo for a corrupt event.

5:31 pm July 23, 2012

Ali wrote:

Again NBC is disappointing us with their Olympic coverage!!! If the whole world can watch the Opening and Closing ceremonies LIVE, the US should be able too!! Thanks NBC for caring more about advertising dollars than your viewers!!! I wish we could get the BBC or CTV version in the US. As Chris commented above, NBC/Comcast why not let it be shown at least on the internet LIVE!

5:48 pm July 23, 2012

B wrote:

Where can we protest this so that they can change their minds and show this live at least online? There is 4 days left

6:42 pm July 23, 2012

Nickp wrote:

I not like tape delay opening ceremonies of Olympics

8:52 pm July 23, 2012

king wrote:

I don't realy know why but, I saw fireworkes at the olympics at 00:30, what was that for?, I live near stratford, about 15 mins away, so I can see what's going on throw my room window.

1:57 am July 24, 2012

Paul wrote:

Absolutely unbelievable. The only country I know that would do such a thing. Abominable decision

2:08 am July 24, 2012

Rachel wrote:

Sounds like Mr.Zenkel is saying we're too dumb to understand the opening ceremonies. Thanks a lot buddy. I for one plan to watch it all online.

Thank you NBC for broadcasting the ceremony after I get off work so that I can enjoy it with family and friends.

12:46 pm July 24, 2012

Space wrote:

Get a UK proxy and watch it live on BBC iplayer

4:34 pm July 24, 2012

Craigers wrote:

I don't see why they won't show the Opening Ceremonies twice (once live, once taped + with extra bonus footage). They can sell advertizing time in BOTH timeslots and probably also nearly double the profit margin. Daytime television time-slots pull in a lot of money too, look at the Soaps and Talk Shows. 4pm is when most markets Aired Oprah in the past.

6:13 pm July 24, 2012

An0n wrote:

silly NBC, havent they ever heard of a proxy or VPN? im watching it live online, suckers. oh well, more advertising dollars lost for you!!!

11:55 pm July 24, 2012

Anonymous wrote:

NBC CHOOSING for America?? Thanks for treating us like pre-schoolers. This is where you lose viewers.

9:01 am July 25, 2012

ashman wrote:

So what? I work for a living. At 4:00 p.m. ET, I'll still be at work, and won't be home until 6:00 p.m. Why the hell would I want to watch the Opening Ceremonies while I'm at work?

1:44 pm July 25, 2012

kenneth wrote:

well i am happy they are making it available for people in the USA to watch in primetime, thank you NBC!!!!

6:17 pm July 25, 2012

Anonymous wrote:

madness .has to be watched live

1:48 pm July 26, 2012

Emily Mascarenhas-Bennett wrote:

Watch it live on justdwl.net

7:03 pm July 26, 2012

Legen..dary wrote:

@ashman, it might help if you actually read the article. It says, "NBC will be waiting until prime time on both Eastern and Pacific time on Friday to show the opening ceremony." What does that mean for us in the states? It will be delayed and we will not see it live. So, it will start around 6 PM. You'll be home in time to cuddle up in your snuggie to watch it. You're welcome.

9:42 pm July 26, 2012

RP McMurphy wrote:

@Legen..dary

That's exactly what ashman was saying, your arguing with yourself.

As for NBC not showing it live SOMEWHERE for those of us who might want to watch live, lame. I'll just find an international stream...no biggie. Nice that every event will be live, though. I will watch almost every one. We are Olympics junkies. GO USA!

1:10 am July 27, 2012

GREED, GREED, GREED, GREED, GREED, GREED wrote:

NBC WANT MORE MONEY
NBC WANT MORE MONEY
NBC WANT MORE MONEY

Just use VPN and watch from Canadian CTV or British BBC

1:11 am July 27, 2012

NBC WANT MORE MONEY Just use VPN and watch from Canadian CTV or British BBC wrote:

VPN

8:11 am July 27, 2012

Olympic Fan wrote:

Unlike the people below that can watch an opening ceremony at 2/3/4 in the afternoon most of us can't. Everything is motivated by money but in this case it is also for the convenience of Olympic fans. I applaud the choice and I used spell check in this post!

10:10 am July 27, 2012

Jennifer Smith wrote:

NBC are asses, and we have over 18,000 signatures to request that the IOC ban NBC from airing any Olympics in the future.

10:18 am July 27, 2012

Martin Focazio wrote:

I am really astonished at how much the entrenched media empires simply leave money on the table. For example, they could make live, as it happens coverage of the opening ceremonies a pay per view streaming event, or you can wait and watch it for "free" (with only 3,000 ads from two sponsors) later. Yes, it's all about money, money,money but there are so many massive revenue opportunities that have been left aside, it makes me wonder if the IOC and NBC executives read the Wall St. Journal at all.

For example:
- The NBC Live Extra ipad app inexplicably requires a Pay TV login (via the TV Everywhere mechanism). Umm....OK - but why not offer the content "Free with your Cable TV Login or $39.99 without" Same content, same app, more money.
- The Cable TV industry lost subscribers in recent years. That's bad for NBC's parent, Comcast, but those same people are willing to pay for access to streaming services - via Comcast. So why not provide an "Olympics Channel" via Xbox, Roku and Apple TV - charge $60 for access. Run the same ads against it - bigger audience, more money.

I could go on and on, but my point is this: The absurd idea that people still "gather around the television" for appointment viewing of live events is, at best, nostalgic, and at worst, flat-out bad business.

11:30 am July 27, 2012

Frodi wrote:

Looks like NBC comprises a bunch of dumb idiots. Everyone wants to view at their convenience (DVR hello?) but most of them want to view live as it happens. It's available all over the world except in USA? and we in USA have to hear what the world is talking about it and when the new is stale we watch it?
There are hundreds of live feeds/streaming available from many countries and NBC expects people to wait until 3 hours later, gather their whole family and watch the telecast? Why can't they telecast live on one channel and start another recorded session at 7.00PM EST or what ever they feel is the right time?
I am surprised these people are still holding to their executive positions!

12:57 pm July 27, 2012

Darla wrote:

So sad =[ I'm on the late shift tonight, and if they aired it live I could have watched it on my dinner break (4), but now I'll miss it =[

2:05 pm July 27, 2012

Al D wrote:

If they broadcast it live, my office would have shown it on a projector. 40 viewers, guaranteed. Instead, there will be a 6.5 hour delay and I will not bother watching any of it. The people who are streaming it online are not thinking this "should be seen by family and friends gathered around the TV in prime-time hours."

3:14 pm July 27, 2012

A concerned citizen wrote:

I'm very disappointed - once again big corporations and media controlling the American people. The year is 2012 - everyone around the globe should be able to watch these olympics live. Shame on NBC, shame on the BBC, and shame on corporate licensing! I made numerous attempts to access a live coverage stream of the olympics from the US 'land of the free, home of the brave' - all with failure, and disgust. I live in the US - I should not have to work around our 'big brother' corporations as if I lived in the PRC - we are not a 'corporate' (state) collectove! VPN to attempt to watch them on the BBC (based on corporate licensing restrictions) - give me a break - since when did attempting to watch a live stream of the olympics become a questionable activity I am supposed to hide. When will the American people wake up and realize how much these moguls are controlling and dictating their lives. I find the 'happy shiny' comments absolving NBC totally devoid of insight and critical thought. This is simply about corporate greed. Wake up America!

3:19 pm July 27, 2012

Laura wrote:

What is it with you people? Are most of you stay-at-homes? (Maybe with our economy, it's possible) but I am really glad that I could not have to miss work hours/pay to see the olympic ceremonies. I was afriad that I would have to have the tension of sneaking peaks while trying to work at the same time - now I don't have to! AND, I was able to arrange my best friends to come over and watch WITH me. I think that was a nice thing to do, even if I have to watch a couple more commercials, I will be laughing and talking with my friends.

3:31 pm July 27, 2012

Dr. Jay wrote:

For all your people complaining: SHUT THE HELL UP! If you think you can do better, start your own network and broadcast to your satisfaction. Don't worry about anything including money since you are all so rich. Furthermore, quit being so freaking ungrateful. It costs you nothing to watch this! If you really want to see it live, buy a ticket and go there. I did. Not stuff your dumb comments. Stupid B(*$*es!

4:32 pm July 27, 2012

FredG wrote:

NBC- what a stupid decision you have made. I actually left work early to be home and watch this with my young children, to show them what a world event the Ol;Olympic is...instead, we realize how this is the only country in the world where we delay a world wide vent. I really can't believe it. All the decision makers on this should be fired! I am pissed, and will boycott NBC. You myopic, morons.

5:08 pm July 27, 2012

CZ wrote:

I actually had to use proxy server to watch it on UK server, my cousin is always complaining about the not able to watch stuff in China because of the censorship there. It seems like the Great US Firewall has finally emerged due to greed.

5:42 pm July 27, 2012

garydouglas wrote:

Why not just watch the Canadian broadcast? They always broadcast everything Olympics live, and I've always been able to get CTV on any TV I've ever owned. (I do, however, live in a norther tier state; maybe that makes a difference.)

6:06 pm July 27, 2012

Beverly wrote:

Really ? Are you people kidding ? If NBC would have broadcast the ceremonies live then hundreds of thousands of people would not have been able to see it. A once every four years event. How ungrateful can you possible be ? Thank You NBC ! We the working stiffs are grateful.

6:38 pm July 27, 2012

eliza999 wrote:

Well this is a worldwide event. It is annoying that I am now seeing bits and pieces of it on BBC news while knowing I cannot watch it for another 2 hours or so. Why can't the U.S for once just join the rest of the world? If other people are busy they have DVR...

6:42 pm July 27, 2012

Anonymous wrote:

and my sister who lives in Africa (for heavens sake!!) is watching it and commenting on facebook...yet I will watch a stale show.

6:55 pm July 27, 2012

Wiskyeye wrote:

Would have been willing to watch live coverage with full ad support on NBC but now I will just get a torrent of it to avoid ads because NBC choose to forget about its American audience. I hope most Americans do the same!

8:55 pm July 27, 2012

dbvirago wrote:

NBC had to delay it so they could script the non-stop, inane, senseless babble they have been spewing all night.

9:17 pm July 27, 2012

Anonymous wrote:

I am a 17 year old, currently doing college summer classes. I have been excited about the olympics starting for a really long time. However, I was really disapointed to see that the opening ceremony would not be shown live online. In the dorms where I currently am, there are no televisions for any of us to watch the opening ceremony. It is unfair for those of us who have been waiting for this, to not be able to see the entire opening ceremony if they don't have access to a television set. Way to drop the ball. >.>

9:24 pm July 27, 2012

Jen wrote:

America land of the free, but the media decides for us that we will not see the opening ceremony live. NBC sucks and so does Matt Lauer

9:46 pm July 27, 2012

A Guest wrote:

Wasn't worth the wait anyway - boring and inane opening ceremony. What had it got to do with sport or the Olympics??

The Queen must have the same advisers as Romney - the Royals have become a joke it seems.

6:54 pm July 28, 2012

Somewhere on the East Coast wrote:

The best thing I did was try like crazy to avoid spoilers via Twitter and Facebook and instead, watched a movie last night. I looked most of the morning and in the early afternoon and was FINALLY able to find a replay via BBC online that I could watch.

From start to finish, they were professional and took zero commercial breaks. They hardly spoke and let the atmosphere and the ceremony speak for itself.

NBC is basically saying that we need babbling, senseless commentary because the American sports viewer can't think for him or herself. Also, they need the delay to make any sort of edits during post production. And of course, the ratings in prime time are big too.

We may have been the only country in the world not to get the opening (and also closing) ceremony live. They will not get my 1/4 hour ratings points at all during these events going forward if they continue to air on delay. I'll try to find a stream online and watch coverage from a provider who truly appreciates the product they are broadcasting.

6:56 pm July 28, 2012

Somewhere on the East Coast wrote:

How about airing them live and then airing them on delay in Prime Time? Other rights holders around the world have nothing on but the Olympics so this would be a great opportunity to satisfy both audiences.

And in the age of the internet and social media, tape delay is so passe'. This is NOT 1988 anymore.

9:56 pm July 28, 2012

Mark wrote:

being a Canadian, we got the live feed, cut for some short commercial breaks (i counted 6 in total, maybe 3 commercials each) when the live show ended, I changed the channel to see what else was on. I stopped on NBC (yes we get all the American networks here). It was exactly on the starting video of the ceremony. needless to say i knew it was going to be a farce. Not only was it not live... it looks like they were commenting on the tape, not live onto the tape. They had time to get their facts right, make scripts, do all they needed to do, and they failed to do so. it may have been acceptable as far back as the 90's maybe, but today it's sacrilege. things i noticed edited out? a whole musical/dance number to recognize the victims of the 7/7 bombing, a performance by the arctic monkeys and what i think is sacrilege and very telling of how the network treats these games: they cut the athlete's pledge for fairness. by cutting that, they're basically saying that they don't care if athletes compete fairly.

10:34 pm July 28, 2012

biffula wrote:

Delayed, not delayed, didn't matter. It was such a boring snoozefest I turned it off after about 15 minutes anyway.

6:20 pm September 24, 2012

chris from U.K wrote:

having watched every opening ceremony since Mexico'68 I can safely say this was the best, the bottom line is it was full of humour and history of this crazy but wonderful little island, what it showed was a 2000 years plus take on who we are, people will remember little things about this fun night for years to come, can we really say that about any other opening, a pity the whole world did not get the BBC transmission

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